Leadership Programs & Events Manager

Cincinnati Regional Chamber; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cincinnati Regional Chamber seeks a Leadership Programs & Events Manager to lead the Leadership Center portfolio, including Hello Cincy Socials, Cincy Next, and Cincy Lead: Next Gen, guiding program strategy, recruitment, and execution across the Greater Cincinnati region.

The role emphasizes delivering exceptional participant experiences, collaborating with Marketing for awareness, managing budgets and sponsorships, and advancing leadership development with a commitment to diversity and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Proven experience managing programs and events.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Experience in diverse and inclusive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, marketing, recruitment, execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of an assigned portfolio of Leadership Center programs.
• Develop annual program plans, timelines, budgets, communications, curriculum and operational strategies.
• Oversee participant experience from recruitment through post-program engagement.
• Coordinate venues, facilitators, speakers, learning experiences, catering, and logistics.
• Design and improve curriculum, resources, and learning experiences based on feedback and trends.
• Monitor budgets, sponsorships, revenue, and performance metrics to ensure success.
• Build relationships with employers, alumni, sponsors, and community partners.
• Represent the Leadership Center in the community and increase participation and impact.

Skills

Program management

Event planning

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

MS Office

CRM systems

Budgeting software

Job description

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS & EVENTS MANAGER

The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy -- with the foundation of a strong business community -- to foster a welcoming environment for all. The Chamber’s membership offerings, signature leadership programs, government and regional advocacy efforts, community events such as BLINK and Oktoberfest as well as key partnerships with organizations like Cincinnati Experience, Cincinnati Compass, Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator, and the Workforce Innovation Center lead the way in making that vision a reality. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.

The Leadership Programs & Events Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of a portfolio of Leadership Center programs, including Hello Cincy Socials, Cincy Next, and Cincy Lead: Next Gen. These programs welcome and connect new residents to the region, develop emerging leaders, expand professional networks, and strengthen civic engagement throughout Greater Cincinnati.

The manager is accountable for delivering exceptional participant experiences, achieving program goals, and advancing the Leadership Center’s mission to:

• Develop leaders
• Widen professional networks
• Deepen connections to the Cincinnati region

This is a highly collaborative, externally focused role requiring strong relationship-building skills, cross-functional teamwork, and a commitment to representing both the Leadership Center and the Cincinnati Chamber with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

Program Portfolio Management

• Lead the planning, marketing, recruitment, execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of an assigned portfolio of Leadership Center programs.
• Develop annual program plans, timelines, budgets, communications, curriculum and operational strategies that support participation, engagement, revenue, and organizational goals.
• Manage the complete participant experience, including recruitment, applications, class selection, registration, invoicing, communications, program delivery, and post-program engagement.
• Coordinate all aspects of program execution, including venues, facilitators, speakers, experiential learning, catering, tours, materials, vendors, volunteers, and onsite logistics.
• Design, develop, and continuously improve curriculum, participant resources, and learning experiences based on participant feedback, leadership trends, and organizational priorities.
• Monitor program budgets, sponsorship fulfillment, revenue, expenses, participant evaluations, and performance metrics to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, facilitators, sponsors, community organizations, venues, and regional leaders to strengthen programs and expand participant engagement.
• Represent the Leadership Center throughout the community by promoting programs, meeting with prospective participants and employers, and identifying opportunities to increase participation and regional impact.
• Advance the Cincinnati Chamber's commitment to diversity and inclusion by intentionally recruiting participants who reflect a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, industries, and perspectives.
• Stay informed on leadership development trends and recommend innovative ideas that strengthen the Leadership Center's portfolio of programs.

Collaboration & Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the Leadership Center Director to evaluate program outcomes, identify opportunities for innovation, and implement continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to increase program awareness, enrollment, participant engagement, and storytelling.
• Support C-Change, Leadership Center alumni initiatives, and other Leadership Center and Chamber priorities as assigned.
• Maintain accurate participant records, budgets, evaluations, and performance metrics to support organizational planning and decision‑making.
• Work collaboratively across the Chamber to ensure alignment, seamless execution, and an exceptional customer experience.
• Serve as an engaged member of both the Leadership Center and Cincinnati Chamber teams, contributing to a culture of collaboration, shared accountability, and organizational success.
• Represent the Chamber at events, meetings, and community initiatives while supporting organizational priorities beyond assigned programs.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Builds authentic relationships and enjoys connecting people, organizations, and ideas.
• Is highly organized and manages multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Thinks strategically while executing with excellence.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and embraces shared accountability.
• Represents the Cincinnati Chamber and Leadership Center with professionalism, enthusiasm, and integrity.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibility but has significant partnerships throughout the organization. This role inspires action through collaboration, teamwork, relationships, and information sharing.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience in program management, with a focus on participant recruitment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is located in a climate-controlled downtown office site and requires a minimal amount of external activity. The job will require talking, listening, researching, and sitting for long periods working at a computer screen. This position does not require travel. Requirements include some evenings and weekends, flexible work week available to accommodate these instances.

OUR CULTURE

We commit to achieving tangible results in a supportive team environment built on respect, energy, curiosity, continuous improvement, and positive attitudes and relationships.

Our values are to:

• Be a pro. Be curious.
• Grow with purpose. Lead with service. Make it enjoyable.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Position offers a rewarding challenge in a professional environment, competitive salary & excellent benefit package. The Cincinnati Chamber does not provide sponsorship for work visas.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.